Vladimir Putin wades into FIFA controversy

By Daniel Lewis, Senior ReporterPublished: 28 May 2015 10:05 AM

Russian president Vladimir Putin is "absolutely sure" that US authorities are deliberately attempting to stop Sepp Blatter being re-elected as FIFA top boss.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of meddling outside its jurisdiction by leading the investigation into wrongdoing at FIFA.

The FBI, in association with the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, helped bring down 14 individuals believed to be involved in mass wrongdoing deep within football's world governing body.

However, Putin has hinted that the US authorities could be selfishly motivated by its own gain, such as in the case of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange.

"Unfortunately our American partners are using these methods in order to achieve their own selfish gains and it is illegal to persecute people," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"I would not rule out that in regards to FIFA, the same thing could be happening, though I do not know how it will end. However, the fact that this is happening right on the eve of the FIFA presidential elections, gives one this exact impression.

"This is yet one more attempt to try and impose the law against other states. I am absolutely sure that this is an attempt to try and stop Blatter from being re-elected as FIFA president, which is a grave breach of the principles of a functioning international organisation."

Tomorrow's FIFA presidential election, which will see Sepp Blatter go up against Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein, is due to go ahead as planned.

Russia will host the next World Cup in 2018.